Air lift system
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Airmatic Ltd has introduced a heavy-load moving system known as Pneu-move that is based on air bearing techniques developed at the National Engineering Laboratory and is marketed under licence from the National Research Development Corporation. Anticipated applications include movement of plant and machinery, alignment of components for assembly, positioning machines in showrooms and lecture rooms and moving heavy work-pieces and tools.
Claimed advantages include low power requirements, manoeuvrability in awkward spaces without head-room, accurate positioning and quietness in use. The system is light and portable and will move loads of several tons without damaging floors. Loads can be securely parked by turning off the air supply.
The load-moving platform of the equipment has on its lower face a number of porous stainless steel pads in suitable housings supplied with air. To provide a surface with the necessary properties for satisfactory operation of the bearing, a 6mm sheet of neoprene is laid over the factory floor. This accommodates minor surface irregularities and ensures a favourable pressure distribution over the bearing pad face. Normal air bearing friction characteristics are achieved with coefficients of friction less than 0.001 and usually about 0.0005. The bearings may be operated from a normal workshop airline 180-100 psi) or at higher or lower pressures.
When the bearing is used for moving loads over a good quality floor, the surface material can be laid directly on to the floor. However, in most applications it has been found that it is preferable to lay it on planks or plates, which may be assembled into a light weight temporary or permanent track.
Potential applications include a semi-permanent track system which would be employed to move heavy components along a production line. The low friction properties of the system could make the use of a powered drive unnecessary for this type of application.
The company could supply the Pneu-move pads in a range of sizes and load capacities as separate items or as part of a complete load moving system. It would undertake application studies for potential customers. Made by: Airmatic Engineering (Whetstone) Ltd, 63 Highgate Drive, Leicester.